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“Verity - the quality or state of being true or real; Balderdash –
nonsense.”
Miriam-Webster Online Dictionary
Verities & Balderdash
Will You give this to
my Daddy?
Author Unknown
Edited by Bob Robinson
Even though we are wrapping up March it feels like spring. Who woulda
guessed? Spring weather leads thoughts to spring activities. Evidently
I’m not the only one who feels this way. One of CNO’s readers must as
well... and sent this.
I’ve seen various versions, including one where applauding Americans
gave up their seats to returning veterans. I believe I’ve seen this one
a couple of times as well... but can’t be positive. I’ve left it pretty
much as I received it except for some editing changes, including the
attribute to Southwest Airlines.
I have no clue if it’s true and, frankly, it’s irrelevant. In two
months we will be doing what we should be doing all year long...
remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us as we observe
Memorial Day.
I wish I could say it’s a Verity. I hope the vast majority of Americans
get a brief tear in their eye as they read it... I’m not ashamed to say
that I did.
Red Friday? I haven’t seen it yet. Wouldn’t it be something if a few of
us did exactly as requested? And a few more picked up on it... and a
few more... until nearly all of us did?
I can’t think of any way to better honor my natural father, my adopted
father, a good friend lost in Nam, a nephew who just returned from
Afghanistan, my veteran friends here in Darke County, and the millions
of others who have served on our behalf.
Here it is, pretty much as I received it...
As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support ‘Red Fridays.’
Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was
in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me
beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed
one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.
Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As
they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) came
abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and
cheered, it hit me. I’m not alone. I’m not the only red-blooded
American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their
families.
Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young
unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us
so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our
service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran
up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said ‘hi...’
The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy
for her...
The young soldier, who didn’t look any older than maybe 22 himself,
said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then
suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the
biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter’s name was
Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had
been in Iraq for 11 months. As the mom was explaining how much her
daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.
When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all
of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second... Then one of the
other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They
started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.
After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over
to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, ‘I spoke to your daddy and
he told me to give this to you.’ He then hugged this little girl that
he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying
‘your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything
and he is coming home very soon.’
The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young
soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was
standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.
As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people
resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around,
there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in
one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney
with a tear rolling down his cheek.
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and
thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it’s
good to be an American.
RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing
red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to
be called the ‘silent majority’. We are no longer silent, and are
voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.
Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity
and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday
until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that we
support our men and woment afar.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let’s make the United States on every
Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the
bleachers.
If every one of us who loves this country will share this with
acquaintances, co-workers, friends and family, it will not be long
before the USA iscovered in RED.
The first thing a soldier says when asked ‘What can we do to make
thingsbetter for you?’ is.....We need your support and your prayers.
Let’s get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example.
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